Die Hard (1988) - IMDb IMDb There was an error trying to load your rating for this title. Some parts of this page won't work property. Please reload or try later. X Beta I'm Watching This! Keep track of everything you watch; tell your friends. Error John McClane, officer of the NYPD, tries to save his wife Holly Gennaro and several others that were taken hostage by German terrorist Hans Gruber during a Christmas party at the Nakatomi Plaza in Los Angeles. Director: From $2.99 (SD) on Amazon Video ON DISC a list of 31 titles created 01 Sep 2011 a list of 47 titles created 28 May 2015 a list of 36 titles created 05 Oct 2015 a list of 39 titles created 28 Nov 2015 a list of 23 titles created 2 months ago Search for " Die Hard " on Amazon.com Connect with IMDb Want to share IMDb's rating on your own site? Use the HTML below. You must be a registered user to use the IMDb rating plugin. Nominated for 4 Oscars.

Another 6 wins & 2 nominations. See more awards » Videos John McClane attempts to avert disaster as rogue military operatives seize control of Dulles International Airport in Washington, D.C. Director: Renny Harlin John McClane and a Harlem store owner are targeted by German terrorist Simon Gruber in New York City, where he plans to rob the Federal Reserve Building. Director: John McTiernan John McClane and a young hacker join forces to take down master cyber-terrorist Thomas Gabriel in Washington D.C. Director: Len Wiseman A cyborg, identical to the one who failed to kill Sarah Connor, must now protect her teenage son, John Connor, from a more advanced cyborg. Director: James Cameron 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8/10 X A seemingly indestructible humanoid cyborg is sent from 2029 to 1984 to assassinate a waitress, whose unborn son will lead humanity in a war against the machines, while a soldier from that war is sent to protect her at all costs.

Director: James Cameron Marty McFly, a 17-year-old high school student, is accidentally sent 30 years into the past in a time-traveling DeLorean invented by his close friend, the maverick scientist Doc Brown. Director: Robert Zemeckis During a preview tour, a theme park suffers a major power breakdown that allows its cloned dinosaur exhibits to run amok. Director: Steven Spielberg Archaeologist and adventurer Indiana Jones is hired by the U.S. government to find the Ark of the Covenant before the Nazis. Director: Steven Spielberg When Dr. Henry Jones Sr. suddenly goes missing while pursuing the Holy Grail, eminent archaeologist Indiana Jones must follow in his father's footsteps and stop the Nazis. Director: Steven Spielberg Rocky Balboa, a small-time boxer, gets a supremely rare chance to fight heavy-weight champion Apollo Creed in a bout in which he strives to go the distance for his self-respect. Director: John G. Avildsen Directors: Frank Miller, Robert Rodriguez, and 1 more credit » Stars: Mickey Rourke, Clive Owen, Bruce Willis A boy who communicates with spirits that don't know they're dead seeks the help of a disheartened child psychologist. Director: M.

Night Shyamalan Edit Storyline NYPD cop John McClane goes on a Christmas vacation to visit his wife Holly in Los Angeles where she works for the Nakatomi Corporation. While they are at the Nakatomi headquarters for a Christmas party, a group of bank robbers led by Hans Gruber take control of the building and hold everyone hostage, with the exception of John, while they plan to perform a lucrative heist. Unable to escape and with no immediate police response, John is forced to take matters into his own hands. Written by Sam 40 Storeys. Twelve Terrorists. One Cop. See more » Genres: 20 July 1988 (USA) See more » Also Known As: Duro de matar See more » Filming Locations: 70 mm 6-Track (70 mm prints)| Dolby Stereo (35 mm prints) (4 channels) Color: Did You Know? Trivia Clarence Gilyard, Jr. (Theo) and Grand L. Bush (FBI Agent Little Johnson) both share the same birthdate, December 24, 1955. See more » Goofs When Sgt.

Powell asks the security guard (terrorist posing as security guard) if he can take a look around the building. At the counter Powell is leaning on, the reflection of a giant stage lamp can be seen. See more » Quotes Businessman : You don't like flying, do you? John McClane : What gives you that idea? Businessman : You wanna know the secret to surviving air travel? After you get where you're going, take off your shoes and your socks then walk around on the rug bare foot and make fists with your toes. John McClane : Fists with your toes? Businessman : I know, I know, it sounds crazy. Trust me, I've been doing it for nine years. Yes sir, better than a shower and a hot cup of coffee. [the businessman sees John's gun] John McClane : It's okay, I'm a cop. Trust me, I've been ... (The Penumbra) – See all my reviews In the Sixties, author Roderick Thorp wrote a novel, The Detective, which was turned into a movie, starring Frank Sinatra in the title role of Joe Leland.

A sequel was written, in which Joe becomes trapped in the Claxxon Oil Corporation skyscraper after it is taken over by German terrorists and he has to rescue his daughter and grandchildren. Two decades later, the skyscraper becomes Nakatomi, the daughter becomes the wife, Leland becomes John McClane and the title becomes Die Hard. To say that Die Hard sets new standards for action movies is like calling Bill Gates well off. The movie was so innovative and groundbreaking that dozens of rip-offs followed - Passenger 57, Under Siege, Cliffhanger, Sudden Death, et al. Hostage/terrorist movies were all the rage in the early Nineties. Very few came close, because Die Hard had so many strong points, not least of which was Alan Rickman's marvellous performance, as Hans Gruber - also the name of the villain in Our Man Flint - the classically educated, smartly dressed terrorist leader. This is not some hammy guy in a chain-mail shirt with spikes on his gloves (Commando). Gruber would have been well at home on Wall Street.

His plan is to break into the vault on the 30th floor of the Nakatomi Plaza and take away $640million in negotiable bearer bonds. When he and his 12 European henchmen round up the office workers, who are enjoying a Christmas Eve party, one man slips away unnoticed. He is John McClane, a New York cop who has come to LA to settle down with his estranged wife, Holly (Bonnie Bedelia). The odds are against him. But that's just the way he likes it. The terrorists even have names. And we remember them. Most action movies these days have unidentified heavies, played by stunt men, who are lined up and knocked over. In his battle to save his Holly, McClane is scorched, torched, beaten and blown up. He jumps off the roof and falls through air ducts. He uncovers deception and double-cross and picks broken glass out of his bare feet. No help comes from the naive and incompetent police, who are unable to get inside, and even less from the FBI. McClane is not a supercop. He is an ordinary guy, who doesn't want a fight. When he is shot, he bleeds. He hurts.

All he has are his pants, his vest, his gun - which runs out of ammo. This is the first realistic connection the audience has. When you don't want to be in McClane's position, it makes for much excitement. John McTiernan, who's only previous mainstream movie was Predator, uses awesome photography and technical skills to give the film a truly polished and sophisticated look - it was nominated for four technical Academy Awards. He also allows for enough time for decent character development, most of which comes between McClane and a cop (Reginald Veljohnson) he makes friends with on a CB radio. Die Hard manages to be heart-pounding and teeth-gritting every single time. And if you are one of those many people who have only ever been able to watch it on TV then now is definitely the time to rediscover a cool, classic and creative action picture. 72 of 123 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?

Yes Actor Alan Rickman, Known for ‘Die Hard’ and ‘Harry Potter’ Series, Dies at 69 | KTLA Actor Alan Rickman, Known for ‘Die Hard’ and ‘Harry Potter’ Series, Dies at 69 Posted 4:55 AM, January 14, 2016, by CNN Wire , Updated at 10:16AM, January 14, 2016 Share this: Email This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated. Alan Rickman, the British actor who played the brooding Professor Severus Snape in the “Harry Potter” films years after his film debut as the “Die Hard” villain Hans Gruber, has died after a short battle with cancer, a source familiar with his career said Thursday. Alan Rickman attends the World Premiere of “Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows – Part 2” at Trafalgar Square on July 7, 2011, in London. (Credit: Ian Gavan/Getty Images) He was 69.

A smooth-voiced London native, Rickman worked on stage with the Royal Shakespeare Company and in UK television projects before earning his first film role: the German terrorist Gruber, opposite Bruce Willis’ John McClane, in 1988’s “Die Hard.” He had been in Hollywood only two days. It ended up being one of film’s more memorable villainous roles, but he told The Guardian in 2015 that he almost didn’t take it. “What the hell is this? I’m not doing an action movie,” he said was his reaction after reading the script. But, he said, the progressive storyline won him over. “Every single black character in that film is positive and highly intelligent,” he said. “So, 28 years ago, that’s quite revolutionary, and quietly so.” Despite wide acclaim as an actor, Rickman never won an Oscar in a career that spanned parts of four decades. He did win a BAFTA Award for supporting actor in “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves” and was nominated three other times, including for his roles in 1990’s “Truly Madly Deeply” and “Sense and Sensibility” in 1995.

He won a Golden Globe in 1997 for best actor in the HBO biopic “Rasputin.” Rickman is probably best known to younger filmgoers as Snape, the antagonistic and bullying wizard who, in the end, plays a crucial role in the Potter saga. He took the role in 2001’s “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” without knowing much about the role. “People thought I knew a lot, and I didn’t,” he said. “When I was asked to do it, there were only three books written.” The author of the series took to Twitter to honor Rickman following the news of his death. ” We have all lost a great talent,” J.K. Rowling said in part. My thoughts are with Rima and the rest of Alan's family. We have all lost a great talent. They have lost part of their hearts.

10 Actors That Could Play A Young John McClane In Die Hard 6 10 Actors That Could Play A Young John McClane In Die Hard 6 By tweet Earlier this morning, we posted an article that announced that there is to be a sixth movie in the Die Hard series (it might be called Die Hard: Year One), and that movie will be a prequel/ sequel, partially set in the year 1979. Now, it’s pretty obvious that Bruce Willis won’t be playing the younger John McClane in the movie, but who could? We have racked our brains and come up with ten potential actors for the highly lucrative part. At least three of these would be amazing in the role. See if you agree with us. 1. Joseph Gordon-Levitt Now, this is a pretty obvious one with JGL having played the young Bruce in Rian Johnson’s Looper. Having said that, we’ve spent the last fifteen minutes working out how old John McClane would have been in 1979.

Well, Bruce Willis is now 60-years-old, and in 1988, when the first Die Hard came out, he was just 33, having been born in 1955. So, in the planned Die Hard 6, or whatever they end up calling it, the character of McClane would be 24, much younger that JGL, who is 34. The baby-faced actor can play younger though, so it’s still a possibility I suppose — just as long as he straps on that fake nose again. Actor Alan Rickman, Snape in ‘Harry Potter’ Films, Dies at 69 | WNEP.com Actor Alan Rickman, Snape in ‘Harry Potter’ Films, Dies at 69 Posted 8:39 am, January 14, 2016, by CNN Wire Tumblr This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated.

Alan Rickman, the British actor with the unforgettable voice who played the brooding Professor Severus Snape in the “Harry Potter” films as well as “Die Hard” villain Hans Gruber, died Thursday after a short battle with cancer, according to his representatives at Independent Talent Group. He was 69. “There are no words to express how shocked and devastated I am to hear of Alan Rickman’s death,” “Potter” author J.K. Rowling tweeted Thursday. Fans had lost “a great talent,” she said, and his family “have lost a part of their hearts.” Daniel Radcliffe, who played Harry Potter in the films, posted a statement on Google+ calling Rickman “one of the greatest actors I will ever work with” and one of the nicest, as well. “Alan was extremely kind, generous, self-deprecating and funny,” Radcliffe wrote.

“And certain things obviously became even funnier when delivered in his unmistakable double-bass.” A smooth-voiced London native, Rickman worked on stage with the Royal Shakespeare Company and in UK television projects before earning his first film role as German terrorist Gruber, opposite Bruce Willis’ John McClane, in 1988’s “Die Hard.” He had been in Hollywood only two days, but he almost didn’t take the role. “I read it, and I said, ‘What the hell is this? I’m not doing an action movie,’ ” he recounted in a 2015 interview with the British Academy of Film and Television Arts. It ended up being one of the most memorably villainous roles in film history. In the 2015 interview, Rickman recounted that he helped shape the role, despite being a novice film actor hired because he would work cheap. After being fitted to wear a militaristic outfit as leader of a band of terrorists, Rickman suggested that perhaps Gruber could wear a suit, affect an American accent and pretend to be a civilian trapped in the building for a scene with Willis’ cop character.

He said he was told, “You’ll wear what you’re told.” “But then I came back, and they handed me the new script” that included the revisions. “So you know, it just pays to occasionally use a little bit of theater training when you’re doing a movie.” Despite acclaim for his portrayal of Gruber and performances in movies such as “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves,” “Truly Madly Deeply” and “Sense and Sensibility,” Rickman was never nominated for an Oscar. He did win a BAFTA Award for supporting actor in “Robin Hood” and was nominated three other times, including for “Truly Madly Deeply,” in 1990, and “Sense and Sensibility” in 1995. He also won a Golden Globe in 1997 for best actor in the HBO biopic “Rasputin.” Although he carried on a lifelong love affair with stage acting, Rickman is probably best known to younger filmgoers as Snape, the antagonistic and bullying wizard who, in the end, plays a crucial role in the Potter saga.

He took the role in 2001’s “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” without knowing much about the character. “People thought I knew a lot, and I didn’t,” he said. “When I was asked to do it, there were only three books written.” But he did have a clue, he said in a 2011 thank-you letter to Rowling at the conclusion of the film series, which saw stars Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint grow up on screen. “Three children have become adults since a phone call with Jo Rowling, containing one small clue, persuaded me that there was more to Snape than an unchanging costume, and that even though only three of the books were out at that time, she held the entire massive but delicate narrative in the surest of hands.” That knowledge helped shape his portrayal of the character, he told the Los Angeles Times in 2011. “It was a punctuation mark in my life every year, because I would be doing other things but always come back to that, and I was always aware of my place in the story even as others around me were not,” Rickman told the newspaper.

His presence was invaluable, “Potter” producer David Heyman told the Los Angeles Times. “He had a real understanding of the character, and now looking back, you can see there was always more going on there — a look, an expression, a sentiment — that hint at what is to come,” Heyman said. “The shadow that he casts in these films is a huge one, and the emotion he conveys is immeasurable.” Acting was ‘an inevitability’ Rickman was born in 1946 to a working-class West London family. Despite an early interest in acting, he studied graphic design in college and owned a design business with friends after graduating. In 1971, at the age of 25, he applied to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, one of the oldest acting schools in England. “There was an inevitability about my being an actor since about the age of 7, but there were other roads that had to be traveled first,” Biography.com quoted him as saying. In 1978, he joined the Royal Shakespeare Company, followed by roles in British television and theater.

In 1985, he won the role of Le Vicomte de Valmont in the stage version of “Les Liaisons Dangereuses,” his first major villain — and the breakthrough role for which he was nominated for a Tony Award in 1988. Later that year, he went to Hollywood to try his hand at film acting. Despite not knowing much about the film business, he was offered the “Die Hard” role immediately. “I’d never made a film before, but I was extremely cheap,” he said in the BAFTA interview. And despite almost rejecting “Die Hard,” he said, the progressive storyline won him over. “Every single black character in that film is positive and highly intelligent,” he said. “So, 28 years ago, that’s quite revolutionary, and quietly so.” Playing Gruber gave rise to the notion of Rickman as master of villainous roles, one at which he often bristled. “I don’t see them any of them as one word,” Rickman said of his roles in 2011.

“It doesn’t matter what I’m playing, it’s not one word, and I think any actor would say the same.” Not all of his roles were heavy or dark, of course. In 1999’s campy “Galaxy Quest,” a heavily made-up Rickman played a classically trained actor named Sir Alexander Dane. In the movie, Dane was a washed-up science-fiction actor whose character had a trademark expression, “by Grabthar’s hammer!” The exclamation was trending Thursday on Twitter in tribute to Rickman. ‘A rare and unique human being’ As news of Rickman’s death spread, so did the tributes. “I’m very sad to hear about Alan today,” “Harry Potter” star Emma Watson tweeted. “I feel so lucky to have worked and spent time with such a special man and actor. I’ll really miss our conversations.” Jason Isaacs, who played Lucius Malfoy in the “Potter” films, tweeted, “Heartbreaking news about lovely Alan.

Nobody else could be as hilarious, tragic, terrifying & truthful all at the same time.” British actor Stephen Fry called the news of Rickman’s death “desperately sad.” “A man of such talent, wicked charm and stunning screen and stage presence,” Fry wrote. “He’ll be sorely missed.” The director of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, Edward Kemp, said the school would be “much the poorer” without the involvement of Rickman, who was vice chairman of its council. “He was generous with his time, his insight, his money, his experience, not only to RADA students but to young actors and theatre makers across the spectrum,” he said in a statement. “He will be much missed.” Actress Emma Thompson, who appeared with Rickman in “Judas Kiss,” “Love Actually,” “Sense and Sensibility” and three of the Harry Potter films, issued a moving statement mourning his death, according to numerous media outlets. “Alan was my friend and so this is hard to write because I have just kissed him goodbye,” she wrote. “What I remember most in this moment of painful leave-taking is his humour, intelligence, wisdom, and kindness,” Thompson said in the statement.

“His capacity to fell you with a look or lift you with a word. “He was, above all things, a rare and unique human being and we shall not see his like again,” she said. Rickman is survived by his wife, Rima Horton, whom he met when they were teenagers. The couple had no children. His fans still have a few new things to look forward to. His film “Eye in the Sky,” about drone warfare in Kenya, is set for March release. He also did voice work for the upcoming “Alice Through the Looking Glass.” From sports figures and politicians to authors and actors, here are some of the messages Rickman’s peers have been posting. There are no words to express how shocked and devastated I am to hear of Alan Rickman's death. He was a magnificent actor & a wonderful man.

Actor Alan Rickman, known for many roles including Professor Snape in Harry Potter films, dies at 69 | WHNT.com Actor Alan Rickman, known for many roles including Professor Snape in Harry Potter films, dies at 69 Posted 6:57 am, January 14, 2016, by CNN Wire , Updated at 08:42AM, January 14, 2016 Email This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated. (CNN) — Alan Rickman, the British actor who played the brooding Professor Severus Snape in the “Harry Potter” films years after his film debut as the “Die Hard” villain Hans Gruber, has died after a short battle with cancer, a source familiar with his career said Thursday. He was 69. A smooth-voiced London native, Rickman worked on stage with the Royal Shakespeare Company and in UK television projects before earning his first film role: the German terrorist Gruber, opposite Bruce Willis’ John McClane, in 1988’s “Die Hard.” He had been in Hollywood only two days.

It ended up being one of film’s more memorable villainous roles, but he told The Guardian in 2015 that he almost didn’t take it. “What the hell is this? I’m not doing an action movie,” he said was his reaction after reading the script. But, he said, the progressive storyline won him over. “Every single black character in that film is positive and highly intelligent,” he said. “So, 28 years ago, that’s quite revolutionary, and quietly so.” Alan Rickman as the Sheriff of Nottingham in ‘Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves’ Despite wide acclaim as an actor, Rickman never won an Oscar in a career that spanned parts of four decades. He did win a BAFTA Award for supporting actor in “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves” in which he played the Sheriff of Nottingham. He was nominated three other times, including for his roles in 1990’s “Truly Madly Deeply” and “Sense and Sensibility” in 1995.

He won a Golden Globe in 1997 for best actor in the HBO biopic “Rasputin.” Alan Rickman as Professor Severus Snape in the Harry Potter films Rickman is probably best known to younger filmgoers as Snape, the antagonistic and bullying wizard who, in the end, plays a crucial role in the Potter saga. He took the role in 2001’s “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” without knowing much about the role. “People thought I knew a lot, and I didn’t,” he said. “When I was asked to do it, there were only three books written.” But that changed over the course of the series, he told the Los Angeles Times in 2011. “It was a punctuation mark in my life every year, because I would be doing other things but always come back to that, and I was always aware of my place in the story even as others around me were not,” Rickman told the newspaper. His presence was invaluable, “Potter” producer David Heyman told the LA Times.

He had a real understanding of the character, and now looking back, you can see there was always more going on there — a look, an expression, a sentiment — that hint at what is to come,” Heyman said. “The shadow that he casts in these films is a huge one, and the emotion he conveys is immeasurable.” Rickman fans still have a few more things to look forward to. His film “Eye in the Sky,” about drone warfare in Kenya, is set for a March release. He also did voice work for the upcoming “Alice Through the Looking Glass.” This is a breaking news story. We will be updating; refresh this page often for more. Actor Alan Rickman, Snape in Harry Potter films, dies at 69 | FOX2now.com Actor Alan Rickman, Snape in Harry Potter films, dies at 69 Posted 7:12 am, January 14, 2016, by Associated Press Email This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated.

Alan Rickman, the British actor who played the brooding Professor Severus Snape in the “Harry Potter” films years after his film debut as the “Die Hard” villain Hans Gruber, has died after a short battle with cancer, a source familiar with his career said Thursday. He was 69. A smooth-voiced London native, Rickman worked on stage with the Royal Shakespeare Company and in UK television projects before earning his first film role: the German terrorist Gruber, opposite Bruce Willis’ John McClane, in 1988’s “Die Hard.” He had been in Hollywood only two days. It ended up being one of film’s more memorable villainous roles, but he told The Guardian in 2015 that he almost didn’t take it. “What the hell is this? I’m not doing an action movie,” he said was his reaction after reading the script. But, he said, the progressive storyline won him over. “Every single black character in that film is positive and highly intelligent,” he said. “So, 28 years ago, that’s quite revolutionary, and quietly so.” Despite wide acclaim as an actor, Rickman never won an Oscar in a career that spanned parts of four decades.

He did win a BAFTA Award for supporting actor in “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves” and was nominated three other times, including for his roles in 1990’s “Truly Madly Deeply” and “Sense and Sensibility” in 1995. He won a Golden Globe in 1997 for best actor in the HBO biopic “Rasputin.” Rickman is probably best known to younger filmgoers as Snape, the antagonistic and bullying wizard who, in the end, plays a crucial role in the Potter saga. He took the role in 2001’s “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” without knowing much about the role. “People thought I knew a lot, and I didn’t,” he said. “When I was asked to do it, there were only three books written.” But that changed over the course of the series, he told the Los Angeles Times in 2011. “It was a punctuation mark in my life every year, because I would be doing other things but always come back to that, and I was always aware of my place in the story even as others around me were not,” Rickman told the newspaper.

His presence was invaluable, “Potter” producer David Heyman told the LA Times. He had a real understanding of the character, and now looking back, you can see there was always more going on there — a look, an expression, a sentiment — that hint at what is to come,” Heyman said. “The shadow that he casts in these films is a huge one, and the emotion he conveys is immeasurable.” Rickman fans still have a few more things to look forward to. His film “Eye in the Sky,” about drone warfare in Kenya, is set for a March release. He also did voice work for the upcoming “Alice Through the Looking Glass.” This is a breaking news story. We will be updating; refresh this page often for more.

By Jason Hanna Actor Alan Rickman, Snape in Harry Potter films, dies at 69 Actor Alan Rickman, Snape in Harry Potter films, dies at 69 Posted: Thu 8:11 AM, Jan 14, 2016 (CNN) Alan Rickman, the British actor who played the brooding Professor Severus Snape in the Harry Potter films years after his film debut as the "Die Hard" villain Hans Gruber, has died after a short battle with cancer, a source familiar with his career said Thursday. He was 69. A smooth-voiced London native, Rickman worked on stage with the Royal Shakespeare Company and in U.K. television projects before earning his first film role: The German terrorist Gruber, opposite Bruce Willis' John McClane, in 1998's "Die Hard." It ended up being one of Hollywood's more memorable villainous roles, but he told The Guardian in 2015 that he almost didn't take it. "What the hell is this? I'm not doing an action movie," he told the newspaper about his reaction after reading the script. But, he said, the progressive storyline eventually won him over.

"Every single black character in that film is positive and highly intelligent," he said. "So, 28 years ago, that's quite revolutionary, and quietly so." This is a breaking news story. We will be updating; refresh this page often for more. Actors who turned down ‘Die Hard’ Actors who turned down ‘Die Hard’ Meriah Doty Bruce Willis as John McClane in 1988's 'Die Hard' More Believe it or not, Bruce Willis' transformation from television star into bona fide big screen action hero almost didn't happen. Heck, it wasn't supposed to happen. Up until the film's release in 1988, "Die Hard" had a long and somewhat sordid Hollywood history. (And it continues to have a long Hollywood history 25 years later with the release of its fifth installment this weekend -- " A Good Day To Die Hard .") The first film in the famed action franchise is based on a book -- the second in a series, to be specific. And its first installment --"The Detective," published in 1966 -- was also made into a film.

The crime drama "The Detective" (1968) starred none other than the Chairman of the Board himself -- Frank Sinatra. It was not only a box office success, but was also considered one of Sinatra's most intense acting performances to date. [Related: 'A Good Day to Die Hard' live London premiere ] So it makes sense that when author Roderick Thorp wrote his followup, "Nothing Lasts Forever," more than a decade later, Sinatra had dibs on its planned adaptation to the big screen. In fact, the studio was reportedly contractually obligated to offer Sinatra the part in spite of him being 73-years-old at the time. Sinatra turned down the role. The story was then altered to bear no connection to its predecessor and was actually shopped around as a sequel to "Commando." But Arnold Schwarzenegger had no interest in reprising his role. Ironically, the film's producers are said to have then started pitching the film as a who's who of action heroes -- attempting to attach multiple names including Sylvester Stallone and Harrison Ford to the project. Sound familiar?

(*Cough* "The Expendables" series!) "Die Hard" was offered to virtually every big name action star of the era. Burt Reynolds, Don Johnson and Richard Gere are said to have turned it down and Stallone verified years later that he, in fact, turned it down, too. More Enter Bruce Willis. The studio had their leading man. But up until that point, Willis was only known for his television role -- as the rather un-serious detective David Addison on ABC's "Moonlighting" (opposite Cybill Shepherd). They didn't have faith in his action star appeal -- and the film's initial marketing campaign reflected such. Willis' face was decidedly not the focal point of the film's billboards and posters.

"Die Hard" went on to be a box office smash, presumably leading Willis and studio execs alike to do their own version of the film's famed line "Yippee-ki-yay, mother------." Watch 'Die Hard' 25th Anniversary Blu-ray Clip: Follow me on Twitter ( @meriahonfiah ) Reblog Actor Alan Rickman, Snape in ‘Harry Potter’ films, dies at 69 | Q13 FOX News Actor Alan Rickman, Snape in ‘Harry Potter’ films, dies at 69 Posted 6:35 AM, January 14, 2016, by CNN Wire , Updated at 10:18AM, January 14, 2016 This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated. (CNN) — Alan Rickman, the British actor with the unforgettable voice who played the brooding Professor Severus Snape in the “Harry Potter” films as well as “Die Hard” villain Hans Gruber, died Thursday after a short battle with cancer, according to his representatives at Independent Talent Group. He was 69.

“There are no words to express how shocked and devastated I am to hear of Alan Rickman’s death,” “Potter” author J.K. Rowling tweeted Thursday. Fans had last “a great talent,” she said, and his family “have lost a part of their hearts.” There are no words to express how shocked and devastated I am to hear of Alan Rickman's death. He was a magnificent actor & a wonderful man. — J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) January 14, 2016 Jason Isaacs, who played Lucius Malfoy in the “Potter” films, tweeted, “Heartbreaking news about lovely Alan. Nobody else could be as hilarious, tragic, terrifying & truthful all at the same time.” A smooth-voiced London native, Rickman worked on stage with the Royal Shakespeare Company and in UK television projects before earning his first film role as German terrorist Gruber, opposite Bruce Willis’ John McClane, in 1988’s “Die Hard.” He had been in Hollywood only two days, but he almost didn’t take the role. “I read it, and I said, ‘What the hell is this?

I’m not doing an action movie,’ ” he recounted in a 2015 interview with the British Academy of Film and Television Arts. It ended up being one of the most memorably villainous roles in film history. In the 2015 interview, Rickman recounted that he helped shape the role, despite being a novice film actor hired because he would work cheap. After being fitted to wear a militaristic outfit as leader of a band of terrorists, Rickman suggested that perhaps Gruber could wear a suit, affect an American accent and pretend to be a civilian trapped in the building for a scene with Willis’ cop character. He said he was told, “You’ll wear what you’re told.” “But then I came back, and they handed me the new script” that included the revisions. “So you know, it just pays to occasionally use a little bit of theater training when you’re doing a movie.” Despite acclaim for his portrayal of Gruber and performances in movies such as “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves,” “Truly Madly Deeply” and “Sense and Sensibility,” Rickman was never nominated for an Oscar.

He did win a BAFTA Award for supporting actor in “Robin Hood” and was nominated three other times, including for “Truly Madly Deeply,” in 1990, and “Sense and Sensibility” in 1995. He also won a Golden Globe in 1997 for best actor in the HBO biopic “Rasputin.” Although he carried on a lifelong love affair with stage acting, Rickman is probably best known to younger filmgoers as Snape, the antagonistic and bullying wizard who, in the end, plays a crucial role in the Potter saga. He took the role in 2001’s “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” without knowing much about the character. “People thought I knew a lot, and I didn’t,” he said. “When I was asked to do it, there were only three books written.” But he did have a clue, he said in a 2011 thank-you letter to Rowling at the conclusion of the film series, which saw stars Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint grow up on screen.

“Three children have become adults since a phone call with Jo Rowling, containing one small clue, persuaded me that there was more to Snape than an unchanging costume, and that even though only three of the books were out at that time, she held the entire massive but delicate narrative in the surest of hands.” That knowledge helped shape his portrayal of the character, he told the Los Angeles Times in 2011. “It was a punctuation mark in my life every year, because I would be doing other things but always come back to that, and I was always aware of my place in the story even as others around me were not,” Rickman told the newspaper. His presence was invaluable, “Potter” producer David Heyman told the Los Angeles Times. “He had a real understanding of the character, and now looking back, you can see there was always more going on there — a look, an expression, a sentiment — that hint at what is to come,” Heyman said. “The shadow that he casts in these films is a huge one, and the emotion he conveys is immeasurable.” Acting was ‘an inevitability’ Rickman was born in 1946 to a working-class West London family.

Despite an early interest in acting, he studied graphic design in college and owned a design business with friends after graduating. In 1971, at the age of 25, he applied to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, one of the oldest acting schools in England. “There was an inevitability about my being an actor since about the age of 7, but there were other roads that had to be traveled first,” Biography.com quoted him as saying. In 1978, he joined the Royal Shakespeare Company, followed by roles in British television and theater. In 1985, he won the role of Le Vicomte de Valmont in the stage version of “Les Liaisons Dangereuses,” his first major villain — and the breakthrough role for which he was nominated for a Tony Award in 1988. Later that year, he went to Hollywood to try his hand at film acting. Despite not knowing much about the film business, he was offered the “Die Hard” role immediately. “I’d never made a film before, but I was extremely cheap,” he said in the BAFTA interview. And despite almost rejecting “Die Hard,” he said, the progressive storyline won him over.

“Every single black character in that film is positive and highly intelligent,” he said. “So, 28 years ago, that’s quite revolutionary, and quietly so.” Playing Gruber gave rise to the notion of Rickman as master of villainous roles, one at which he often bristled. “I don’t see them any of them as one word,” Rickman said of his roles in 2011. “It doesn’t matter what I’m playing, it’s not one word, and I think any actor would say the same.” Not all of his roles were heavy or dark, of course. In 1999’s campy “Galaxy Quest,” a heavily made-up Rickman played a classically trained actor named Sir Alexander Dane. In the movie, Dane was a washed-up science-fiction actor whose character had a trademark expression, “by Grabthar’s hammer!” The exclamation was trending Thursday on Twitter in tribute to Rickman. ‘A rare and unique human being’ As news of Rickman’s death spread, so did the tributes. “I’m very sad to hear about Alan today,” “Harry Potter” star Emma Watson tweeted. “I feel so lucky to have worked and spent time with such a special man and actor.

I’ll really miss our conversations.” British actor Stephen Fry called the news of Rickman’s death “desperately sad.” “A man of such talent, wicked charm and stunning screen and stage presence,” Fry wrote. “He’ll be sorely missed.” The director of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, Edward Kemp, said the school would be “much the poorer” without the involvement of Rickman, who was vice chairman of its council. “He was generous with his time, his insight, his money, his experience, not only to RADA students but to young actors and theatre makers across the spectrum,” he said in a statement. “He will be much missed.” Actress Emma Thompson, who appeared with Rickman in “Judas Kiss,” “Love Actually,” “Sense and Sensibility” and three of the Harry Potter films, issued a moving statement mourning his death, according to numerous media outlets. “Alan was my friend and so this is hard to write because I have just kissed him goodbye,” she wrote. “What I remember most in this moment of painful leave-taking is his humour, intelligence, wisdom, and kindness,” Thompson said in the statement. “His capacity to fell you with a look or lift you with a word.

“He was, above all things, a rare and unique human being and we shall not see his like again,” she said. Rickman is survived by his wife, Rima Horton. His fans still have a few new things to look forward to. His film “Eye in the Sky,” about drone warfare in Kenya, is set for March release. He also did voice work for the upcoming “Alice Through the Looking Glass.”

Question: Which actor played the role of John McClane in the "Die Hard" films?
Answer: Bruce Willis